The team at Mattel approached us to create a spectacular sand sculpture at Beach East in London. The sand sculpture was to be of Bob the Builder and Scoop, his trusty digger. There’s only one question they had for us………”Can we build it?” YES WE CAN!
A few weeks later we arrived in London to begin work. Myself Claire Jamieson, Jamie Wardley and Tom Bolland were joined by our sculpting friend Rodrigo and film maker Paul Burrows from Bezmond who would capture the whole process on film.
As the sculpture would be 60 tonnes and need to be imported alongside the play sand that would be delivered during the next few days, we hired a digger and operator to help us move the sand. After a long day of compacting the sand on one of the hottest days of the year, we waved goodbye to Tom and was finally ready to begin carving the next day.
The next few days we set to work sculpting the sand. When 3 people are making one sand sculpture its really important that we have to communicate well with each other as all of our different sections need to match up in the end!
On Saturday Beach East opened its doors, so the public could watch us on the last few days to finish the sand sculpture while they sunbathed on the Urban beach. “you have the best job in the world!” said one passer by “being able to play all day in the sand in the sunshine” I have to agree being a sand sculptor is great when the sun is shining, but we also face the wind, rain and cold weather too!
After a long day sculpting on Saturday and an early start on Sunday, we were ready for the press shoot. Some children arrived to try out the new Bob The Builder toys and pose for some photos. Bob himself even made an appearance!
Thanks to all at Mattel and Beach East for such a lovely week!
The sand sculptures will stay on display at Beach East, Stratford until September. Check them out for yourselves!